Surveyor position on November ballot

Following the recent death of Surveyor Kerry Bradshaw, Jackson County will put his position up for election on the November ballot.

Ryan Pfeil

Following the recent death of Surveyor Kerry Bradshaw, Jackson County will put his position up for election on the November ballot.

Candidates interested in the position have from July 23 through Aug. 28 to file.

Bradshaw, assessor since 2008, died in a car crash Sunday when his vehicle struck a tree in the 1000 block of Wilson Road in Central Point. He was 62 years old.

The winner on Nov. 6 will serve a four-year term starting in January.

Herb Farber, Bradshaw's challenger in the primary, said he's not sure whether he will file again.

"I haven't made an absolute final decision at this point, but it's probable," Farber, 60, said. "I'm expecting to."

A resident of Central Point for 20 years, Farber has served on a variety of commissions and boards. These include the Central Point Planning Commission, the Medford-Bear Creek Corridor Master Planning Committee, Central Point Urban Renewal District and the Central Point Citizen's Advisory Committee. Farber has bachelor's degrees in business and forestry from Washington State University and has run his own surveying firm for the past 25 years. He has been involved in surveying in some capacity for the past 40 years.

In the May election, Bradshaw received 19,716 votes while Farber received 9,966. Farber said the campaign was a civil one, as both men were well-acquainted.

"We've known each other for 30 years," Farber said. "The whole situation is tragic, and I feel very badly for his family and co-workers."

Bradshaw's assistant, Scott Fein, has taken over responsibilities until another surveyor is elected.

For more information on getting on the ballot as a candidate for county surveyor, visit www.co.jackson.or.us.

Reach Mail Tribune reporter Ryan Pfeil at 541-776-4468 or by email at rpfeil@mailtribune.com.